Smoking a Don Rafa Toro cigar in the garden under the sun.

Have a Cigar: Don Rafa Toro

Name: Don Rafa Toro

Country: Nicaragua

Shape: Parejo

Size: (6 inches x 54)

Strength: Medium

I light up a Don Rafa cigar occasionally when I’m working on the terrace or starting my charcoal grill. I like the brand because their cigars are affordable and good. Plus, they remind me of good times. I smoked a lot of Don Rafa Churchills with the boys last summer. I was burning two or three cigars a day back then. Drinking a lot, too.

I usually pair my Don Rafa with ice-cold lager or pilsner. But, sometimes, when it’s a little cold and cloudy, I like to go with vodka. And that’s what I did this time.

Chris Khatschadourian smoking an Umnum Jumbo in a Lebanese restaurant called Qortoba

Have a Cigar: Umnum Jumbo

Name: Umnum Jumbo

Country: Nicaragua

Shape: Parejo

Size: (4 3/4 inches x 60)

Strength: Medium

I smoked a lot of Umnum cigars this month. My go-to size was the Jumbo, but I also smoked a Bond and a Canonazo here and there.

The Umnum Jumbo is a medium-bodied cigar that doesn’t disappoint. Earthy hints are definitely there. Medium-roast coffee, leather, and chocolate notes come and go. Overall, it’s a pretty straightforward stick and has no weak points. I usually pair it with a cup of black coffee or a glass of full-bodied red wine to get the best experience.

Enjoying a Flor de Selva Maduro Grand Pressé in Beirut, Lebanon.

Have a Cigar: Flor de Selva Maduro Grand Pressé

Name: Flor de Selva Maduro Grand Pressé

Country: Honduras

Shape: Box-Pressed

Size: (6 inches x 56)

Strength: Medium

If I had to choose between the Tempo and the Grand Pressé, I’d choose the latter. They are both great cigars, but the Grand Pressé is just a little bit better. Plus, it’s box-pressed.

Paired with a full-bodied Lebanese red wine, the cigar gave chocolaty and woody notes accompanied by hints of black tea, almond, and green pepper.

My conclusion is this: It’s good stuff…